The government is aligning driving licence rules for heavier electric vans with their lighter petrol and diesel counterparts. The Department for Transport has introduced legislation to allow standard Category B licence holders to drive zero-emission vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes, covering vans, minibuses, SUVs, and trucks.
This change accounts for the added weight of batteries and removes the previous five-hour training requirement for drivers. It also adjusts towing allowances for electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new rules are expected to take effect in the spring.
The weight limit increase was first introduced in 2018, but the previous government had pledged further updates in 2023. However, delays meant fleets had to wait for the new administration to act. The licence change coincides with an extension of the plug-in van grant, allowing fleets to continue receiving up to £5,000 off an electric van until April 2026.